WALKING AID

KELOMPOK 11
 DEFINITION

Walking aid is a device designed to assist walking

and improve the mobility of people who have
difficulty in walking or people who cannot walk
independently
Types of walking aids
The three main categories are:
1. Crutches: Standard (underarm brace), and
Canadian (forearm brace)
2. Canes: Standard, 3-point, and 4-point
3. Walkers: Standard, 2-wheeled, and 4-wheeled
(with or without a seat)

2 3
1
CRUTCHE
S
These are devices which are used to reduce weight
bearing on one or both legs and also give support
where balance is impaired and strength is
inadequate
 Types of crutches 

Two upright shafts connected by axillary piece on top
Hand piece in the middle
 Extension piece below
 Extension piece and shafts has numerous holes at
regular intervals so the total length of crutch and height
of handle is easily adjustable.
 A large suction tip (rubber ferrule) is attached to
extension piece to allow total contact with floor
 The Axillary pad should rest beneath the apex of axilla
and hand grip in slight flexion when weight is not being
taken.
 When weight is being taken through axillary pad, the
elbow will go into extension and weight is transmitted
down the arm to hand piece

Axillary crutches /under arm crutches

 Advantages and Disadvantages of Under Arm
Crutches

Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. Convenience for 1. Limited upper body freedom
temporary injuries 2. Axillary crutches require good
2. A large degree of standing balance by the patient.
support for the lower 3. Improper use of crutch can cause
body injury to axillary region, and Strain
3. Available at low cost. on the arms and upper body which
4. Axillary crutches can lead crutch paralysis. It is a
allow the patient to condition in which the nerves under
perform a greater the arms (Radial nerve and brachial
variety of gait plexus) are pinched and also risk of
patterns and ambulate losing balance.
 Elbow crutches /forearm crutches/ Lofstrand
crutch
They are made of metal an aluminum tubular shaft
with a handgrip and have a metal or plastic forearm
band.
• Forearm piece bent backward and extended to 2
inches below the elbow.
• Both handgrip and forearm piece are adjustable
in length by means of a press clip or metal button
and have a rubber ferrule.
• These crutches are suitable for patients with
good balance and coordination with strong arms.
Weight is transmitted exactly the same way as for
axillary crutches
 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantage of elbow crutches
1. Light weight
2. Easily adjustable
3. freedom for hand activities
4. Using forearm crutches requires no
more energy, increased oxygen
consumption or heart rate than
axillary crutches.
5. Being easily stored and transferred.
6. There is no risk of injury to the
neurovascular structures in the
axillary region when using this type
of crutches.
Disadvantages of forearm
crutches
• Forearm crutches are less
stable .
• They require good standing
balance and upper-body
strength.
• Geriatric patient sometimes
feel insecure with these crutches.
They may not have the necessary
upper-body strength to use
forearm crutches
 CRUTCH WALKING
• During first time, when the patient is to stand and walk, the physiotherapist
should have an assistant for supporting the patient.
• Non-weight bearing: patient should always stand with a triangular base i.e.
crutches either in front or behind the weight bearing leg
• Partial weight bearing: The crutches and the affected leg are taken forward
and put down together. Weight is then taken through the crutches and the
affected leg, while the unaffected leg is brought through.
 Canes
Most common mobility aid
• Commonly made of wood or aluminium
• Transmits 20-25% of body weight
• Held in hand opposite the involved side
• Increase stability
• Compensates for muscle weakness
• Relieves pain
• Elbow at 30° flexion
How To Use Canes

 Walking with a Stick

Walk placing the stick or cane on the ground at the same time as the
affected leg. Remember, the stick should normally be held in the hand
opposite the effected leg.

 Chairs - Getting up

The stick or cane should be near the arm of the chair. Lean
forward and, with hands on the arms of the chair, push
forward and stand up.
• Stairs
Hold onto a handrail if at all possible. The stick goes on the same step as the
affected leg.
The unaffected leg should lead when going upstairs, and the affected leg leads
when coming down. However where possible, go up and down stairs in the
normal manner.

 Chairs - Sitting down

When returning to the chair, turn around, feel the chair behind the legs, place
hands gently on the chair arms, bend forward and lower gently into the chair.
The stick or cane can be held or rested nearby.
 Walkers
• Walkers are mechanical devices for
ambulatory clients who need more support
than a cane provides.
• The standard type is made of polished
Aluminum.
• It has four legs with rubber tips and plastic
hand grips.
• Many walkers have adjustable legs
HOW TO TELL IF A WALKER IS THE RIGHT SIZE

1. With your arms hanging at your sides, the walker

handles should be at wrist level. If you cannot find the
exact fit, choose the height that is most comfortable.
2. If you have been instructed to not place weight on one
of your legs, you may feel more comfortable with a
shorter height. If you are using the walker for balance,
you may prefer a taller height.
3. Adjust the height by using the push buttons on the legs
of your walker.
4. In rest position, the back leg of the walkers should be no
further ahead than your toes. With your hands resting
on the grips, your elbows should be slightly bent at
about a 30 degree angle.
5. Ask your physical therapist or caregiver if you have any
concerns.
Presented by :